CBD vs Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – A New NSAID Alternative?

Is CBD (Cannabidiol), a “miracle” pain reliever? Is this cannabis compound powerful enough to be able to replace any painkiller, despite the medical condition being treated? The NSAIDS stands for Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs are a group of medicines that relieve pain and fever and reduce inflammation. They’re also known as “pain killers”, and two of the most common are ibuprofen and aspirin.

What is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory?

NSAIDs are medicines that are often used for the treatment of mild to moderate illness from a full span of conditions such as a toothache, migraines, headaches, menstruation, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and strains.

Aspirin, an NSAID used to treat pain, fever or inflammation, is also used to treat conditions that respond to its functions as a “blood thinner”. It may also serve in first aid and may be provided as part of the treatment at the time of a heart attack to improve the result.

People, especially the athletes whose bodies are under constant stress, and other chronic medical conditions that cause pain and soreness in different parts of their body, are the most regular consumers of NSAIDs for relief. On the other hand, some studies have shown that NSAIDs have adverse side-effects on the human body. They can also trigger allergic-like reactions such as rashes and throat swelling. In specific instances, NSAIDs might even make a person more prone to bleeding (aspirin for example).

In the world of sports, many veteran athletes take NSAIDs to relieve different kinds of pain and inflammation. It’s easy to seek out medicines to find comfort in the short term while neglecting the effects that come with long-term use. Luckily, there are various alternatives methods to NSAIDs that you can use. One of them that is growing in popularity recently is CBD oil. There is an increasing number of studies that suggest CBD has real potential as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. In some studies, cannabidiol has even out-performed OTC NSAIDs such as aspirin. So, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

CBD as an inflammatory medicine

In a 2016 study focused on the CBD’s effect on arthritis, for example, it was found that CBD reduced both soreness and pain. Over the years, other research has shown CBD’s neuroprotective properties/effects. These properties could help protect the brain against the ramifications of concussions.

As CBD is potentially a big help to athletes, especially those in pain, the University of Miami decided to pitch US$16 million into U.S. clinical trials. Due to this boon to research, a growing number of athletes are consuming or considering consuming CBD over other substances for managing pain and other sports-related injuries. CBD oil is generally extracted from the cannabis plant, but unlike many other marijuana products, it’s commonly from high-CBD, low-THC hemp. It is one of the more than 60 compounds found in marijuana that fall under a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Levels of CBD and the psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) among cannabis plants tend to differ among different strains. For instance, marijuana grown for recreational purposes often has a higher THC content than CBD. But by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders are able to create varieties with more CBD than THC.

CBD VS. NSAIDs: Which is best?

Too many factors need to be taken into consideration to be able to claim that CBD is better overall than painkillers. It’s generally a decision that is made depending on the condition being treated, the individual’s genetic considerations and their overall medical history. In fact, many have claimed that opioid medications (refers to such drugs derived from opium, including morphine itself) are superior regarding overall pain treatment. Dosage is another thing to consider, as the method of cannabis intake can prove to be vital concerning its physiological effects. Many people prefer alternative application or consumption methods to simply smoking medical cannabis.

While the interaction of CBD with other drugs is a real concern, Study shows they haven’t yet encountered many cases of severe complications experienced by people using CBD. Still, be careful. Go to your physician. Be cooperative with their recommendations, especially when it comes to regular laboratory checkups, and report any side effects you may encounter. When used safely, CBD may help you reduce your prescription medication dosages and more importantly their side effects as well.